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Activities
Within the European Forum there are three kinds of
activities for members:
- those organized by the National Associations, as both national and trans-national activities.
- activities organized by the European Forum e.g. the European Intervisitation Programme).
- those initiated by individual members.
The European Intervisitation Programme (EIP)
The "flagship" of the EFEA is the European Inter-visitation
Programme (EIP) which is arranged every second year and
takes place in one of the member countries. During the
conference week members are briefed concerning the
educational system in the host country, and then, in transnational
groups, take place in a wide range of visits
concentrating their efforts upon a special theme which has
been defined as an area of special interest to study in the host
country, and reflecting parallel interests in other countries.
Members are challenged to relate their experience on the EIP
to their own situation "back home", and to share their
conclusions with participant colleagues. For a list of EIPs click
here.
Through the Programme participants become familiar with
colleagues in all the assembled countries so contacts are
relatively easy and networking facilitated.
Activities of National Organizations
These vary considerably from country to country, but
typically comprise conferences, workshops, research activities
and/ or publications. For details, contact the relevant
organisation or a member of the Executive (for a list of
national correspondents click here and members of the Executive click
here.
Trans-National Activities
There are three types of these. Occasional workshops or
conferences are held between two or three countries (e.g.
between Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands; between
France, Spain and Portugal; and between the Republic of
Ireland and the United Kingdom). To these members from
across Europe are normally welcome.
In addition, there are trans-national Interest Groups.
Members of the Forum are encouraged to establish such
groups with an interest in common, in order to facilitate
networking.
The Forum's major contribution to these activities tends to
be through providing means of communication between
members.
Different national groups of members have also, over the
years, carried out a large number of study visits to different
European countries. These are often concerned with the working
methods of schools or other institutions in their special context.
The participants have many opportunities for extensive
discussion on educational issues with colleagues. Study visits
are also arranged as exchange programmes among groups of
members.
The Networks
A major activity within the European Forum has been the
informal contacts and networks established by individual
members who make contacts with colleagues in order to
exchange ideas and experience in areas of mutual interest.
This is both an efficient and effective function. Usually the
focus is on educational issues of a contextual nature, on
working methods or on current theoretical debate. The
contacts established on the individual level often result in
extended exchanges, international visits and group study.
Activities in Support of National Associations
Meetings of the Steering Committee usually take place in
one of the member countries, not only for the usual business
agenda, but in order to facilitate collaboration with the host
national forum, and to contribute to its programme of
activities.
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Activities
